Japan records more than 100,000 centenarians for first time

Japan’s population of centenarians has surpassed 100,000 for the first time, marking a new record for the country. According to CNN, the number rose for the 56th consecutive year to 107,677 in September, an increase of nearly 8,000 from the previous year, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said.

Women accounted for 88 per cent of the total. Health Minister Kenichiro Ueno said he was pleased so many citizens remained active and healthy into old age. Japan recorded an average life expectancy of 84 years in 2024, compared with 79 in the United States. The country’s aging population continues to strain its economy, raising elderly care costs even as birth rates hit record lows.